The United States has ordered nonessential personnel and their family members to depart from its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, as war with Iran looms.
A State Department official, speaking anonymously because the decision had not yet been formally announced, told The Associated Press that the directive followed a fresh review of security conditions in the region. The official described the move as “prudent” and said staffing would be reduced to essential personnel only. The order is temporary, and the embassy will continue normal core operations.
Beirut has long stood at the center of Iran-linked reprisals against American interests. Tehran’s backing of Hezbollah has made Lebanon a recurring flashpoint in U.S.–Iran confrontation. Hezbollah was responsible for the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut and the 1984 attack on a U.S. embassy annex—events that reshaped American policy in the region for decades.
Adjustments to U.S. diplomatic staffing in Beirut have historically signaled broader military developments. A similar directive was issued for Beirut and other regional posts just before strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were carried out during the previous Trump administration in June of last year. Such steps are often read by regional observers as precursors to U.S. or Israeli action.
The embassy drawdown comes amid a marked escalation in U.S.–Iran tensions. President Donald Trump has overseen what officials describe as the largest American military buildup in the region in decades, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier and additional warships and aircraft. Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran that failure to accept restrictions on its nuclear program could invite consequences. Diplomatic efforts, however, are continuing. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi announced that a new round of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva.
Recent indirect negotiations have yielded little visible progress. Iran has resisted U.S. and Israeli demands to scale back its missile program and sever ties with proxy armed groups operating throughout the region.
Asked Friday about the possibility of limited military action while negotiations continue, Trump responded: “I guess I can say I am considering that.” He later told reporters that Iran “better negotiate a fair deal.”
Meanwhile, a second State Department official indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio may postpone his planned trip to Israel this weekend. Sources familiar with the matter later confirmed that the visit has been delayed, potentially to allow developments from the Geneva talks to unfold.
Iran has been experiencing protests for months and President Trump has shown support for the rebels in their attempts to change their government.
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